- Shedeur Sanders faced disappointment as he was repeatedly passed over in the Sanders’ NFL Draft, despite high expectations.
- A cruel prank call added humiliation to his already agonizing wait during Sanders’ NFL Draft experience.
- Concerns about his character and arm strength may have affected his draft stock, despite impressive college stats, during the Sanders’ NFL Draft.
Shedeur Sanders had big dreams for the NFL Draft. Many expected him to be a top pick. His father, NFL legend Deion Sanders, believed his son could go in the top five. But those dreams quickly unraveled. Sanders faced embarrassment when his name was ignored during the Sanders’ NFL Draft. After a long wait, his moment came with a cruel prank. His hopes soared, only to be crushed in front of his friends, family, and the world.
A Strong Start, Then a Shocking Fall
On Thursday, the NFL Draft started with excitement. Cam Ward and Jaxson Dart were selected in the first round. Sanders had hoped to join them. But instead, his name was nowhere to be found. The first round ended, and Sanders watched from the sidelines. It was a tough blow for someone once thought to be a top draft pick. On Friday, Sanders’ situation worsened. Teams continued to pass on him. His wait grew longer, and his chance to be drafted seemed smaller by the minute.
A Heartbreaking Prank Call
During his second draft party, Sanders finally got a call. His family and friends were all gathered around. They saw the number appear on Sanders’ phone. It looked like it came from an NFL team. Sanders’ excitement grew. “Good, I’ve been waiting on you,” he said when he answered. But then, the call took a strange turn. The voice on the other end said, “[You’ll] have to wait a little longer.” Sanders looked confused. He quickly realized it was a prank. The smile on his face disappeared. The moment was broadcasted live, making it even more humiliating. His party ended abruptly. Sanders had hoped for good news but received only disappointment.
Teams Pass on Sanders Again and Again
As Sanders waited, the draft moved on. His name was still nowhere to be seen. Many expected Sanders to go in the second round. The Cleveland Browns held the 33rd and 36th picks. It seemed like a perfect spot for Sanders. But the Browns passed on him both times. Sanders’ hopes of being drafted by them vanished during Sanders’ NFL Draft.
Then came the New Orleans Saints. With the 40th pick, the Saints seemed like another possible landing spot for Sanders. Derek Carr, their quarterback, faced injury concerns. But once again, Sanders was overlooked. Instead of choosing Sanders, the Saints picked Tyler Shough. It was another setback for the former Colorado quarterback.
More Surprises in the Third Round
As the second round ended, more surprises followed. No quarterbacks were taken, which puzzled many experts. Then came the third round, which turned out to be chaotic. The Seattle Seahawks picked Alabama’s Jalen Milroe with the 92nd pick. But the biggest shock came when the Cleveland Browns selected Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel. Gabriel had been ranked as the eighth-best quarterback in the draft. Yet, he was picked over Sanders, leaving everyone in shock.
Cam Ward’s Surprising First Pick
In the middle of all this confusion, Cam Ward made his mark. The former Miami quarterback was selected first overall by the Tennessee Titans. Ward’s selection only added to the mystery of why Sanders had fallen so far in the draft. With Ward being picked ahead of him, Sanders’ prospects looked even more uncertain.
Sanders’ Future in the Draft
Now, Sanders will likely be the sixth quarterback selected. That is a far cry from the high expectations surrounding him before the Sanders’ NFL Draft. His name was expected to be called much earlier. Instead, Sanders will likely finish the draft lower than he ever imagined. His story is now one of disappointment and confusion.
What Went Wrong for Sanders?
Before the draft, some concerns about Sanders’ character surfaced. Some teams reportedly described him as “brash” and “arrogant” following interviews. Others questioned his arm strength, especially after the combine. These worries seemed to affect his draft stock. But Deion Sanders, his father, laughed at these concerns. He firmly believed his son was still a strong pick despite the rumors.
Sanders’ Impressive College Career
Despite the criticism, Sanders had a standout college career. In 50 games, he threw for over 14,000 yards. He scored 134 touchdowns and just 27 interceptions. His completion rate was impressive, reaching 70.1%. Sanders also ran for 17 touchdowns, showing his dual-threat ability. His numbers were undeniable. Yet, despite all these achievements, he was passed over in favor of others during Sanders’ NFL Draft.
